CPI, the Centre for Process Innovation,  is joining with Reelables , the thin-film printed electronics specialist, to demonstrate a novel technology for printing smart Battery-on-Circuit labels.

This low-cost power source will eliminate the need for  external batteries for printed electronics, overcoming a barrier to their widening application, mass production and industry growth.

Reelables, has invented a smart-label that can be easily attached to objects and tracked automatically through a phone app.

The smart-label incorporates a key manufacturing innovation that allows a battery to be inserted directly alongside the wireless tracking circuit on a thin plastic film.

The low-cost battery technology is formed by electrochemically coating and laminating two plastic films together, which can power a wireless smart-label for more than a year.

Funded by Innovate UK, an initial 12-month feasibility study will be carried out, combining the expertise of Cisco and the Digital Catapult, with each partner bringing unique skills and capabilities for technology innovation.

CPI will provide expertise from both its electronics and formulation business units to support the development of the battery device, including: anode coating, electrolyte formulation, cathodic slurry formulations and coatings, device assembly, and the testing of battery cells.

In addition, CPI will compile a written report detailing how the technology will be manufactured at larger scales and its potential in the printed electronics market.

The successful development of the smart, Battery-on-Circuit labels will enable a new, growing workforce of geographically disperse employees to track shared objects ranging from tools and demo kits to portable medical equipment.

“The ability to coat a lithium-based battery on the same substrate as our wireless circuit would be a breakthrough manufacturing win for track and trace applications across multiple industries,” says Reelables CEO Brian Krejcarek, “ it would enable long-lifespan IoT devices to be made at very low cost. We’re particularly excited to be working with CPI to figure out how this can be done under ambient manufacturing environments in the presence of atmospheric oxygen and water – the key challenge when working with lithium based electro-chemistries.”